Clemson, SC—The Clemson football team had its fourth day of practice in preparation for the 2014 Discover Orange Bowl game against Ohio State on January 3. The Tigers worked for just over two hours on the outdoor practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center. It was perfect weather for the workout that included the most contact of the pre-bowl practices so far.

Both teams have been strong on both sides of the football so far this year. Clemson is ranked 11th in scoring offense and 17th in scoring defense, while Ohio State is fourth in scoring offense and 21st in scoring defense. Both teams average over 40 points and 500 yards per game in offense.

The Buckeyes are third in the nation in rushing, averaging 317 yards per game, a big reason Urban Meyer’s team is scoring over 46 points per contest. It will be a challenge for the Clemson defense as lead Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde averages 140 yards a game rushing, sixth in the nation, and quarterback Brazton Miller is 33rd with 93.9 yards per game, fourth among quarterbacks nationally. Hyde averages 7.7 yards per carry and Miller is at 6.75.

“Miller and Hyde are as good a combination of quarterback and running back as there is,” said Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables. “They have power and speed. They remind me of Vince Young and Cedric Benson (a Texas quarterback and running back combination Venables faced when he was coaching at Oklahoma).

“Ohio State attacks the edge and has power in the middle. They are good at everything. Hyde is a back who can break tackles, he just runs through people. Miller is like a running back, but he is an outstanding passer also.

“This will be our greatest challenge physically this year. It will take great technique and toughness on our part to defend them. We will have to get a lot of hats to the ball.

Clemson has had some good numbers on defense as well this year, including a number-one national ranking in tackles for loss with 9.4 per game. Clemson is also second nationally in three-and-outs per game with 6.2.